This week, the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee conducted hearings with leaders from the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Army to evaluate military readiness and strategic priorities. Lawmakers highlighted the necessity of a cohesive defense strategy across land, air, and space domains to deter threats and maintain combat effectiveness.
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert expressed satisfaction with the Trump Administration’s emphasis on "modernizing the nation’s nuclear deterrent and supporting American space superiority." He emphasized accelerating the deployment of necessary platforms for warfighters within budget discussions.
During an Army hearing, Calvert described the Army as essential to national defense and global stability. He stressed that modernization must align with future battlefield demands, where agility and technological advancement are crucial. Calvert pointed out that investments should balance conventional capabilities with those needed for hybrid warfare.
Chairman Tom Cole remarked on the need for current Air Force and Space Force capabilities to prevent future conflicts. He voiced concerns over delays in acquiring new aircraft and weapons systems. Cole highlighted the importance of a robust manufacturing base to achieve air superiority while maintaining existing aircraft inventories.
At the Army hearing, Cole addressed challenges posed by China, emphasizing that "the United States Army plays a critical role in deterring this threat." He called for readiness against long-range strategic threats and underscored precision strike capabilities as essential for maintaining competitive advantage globally.
Cole also stressed readiness across all time frames: “We cannot afford to be caught unprepared,” urging an honest evaluation of current standing and investment needs for enhanced readiness.
As fiscal year 2026 progresses, ensuring military preparedness remains a priority for the House Appropriations Committee. The goal is to maintain strength against adversaries while investing in necessary capabilities to safeguard national security.
